Ballet boy sues over bullying

Kristopher King, 11, says other pupils picked on him and even injured his foot in an attack.

His mother, Diane, says his career could be ruined because he needs an operation following the injury.

Mrs King alleges Derby City Council has not done enough to protect her son.

She says her son was kicked and hit during his last year at primary school.

She said things improved in September when he moved to secondary school, until an assault last month.

"I have seen him go from somebody who knew what he wanted to do in life to somebody who is withdrawn and quiet."

Kristopher, from Spondon, Derby, has been dancing since the age of four and has starred in a number of theatre productions.

His situation mirrors the hit movie Billy Elliot, which plots the exploits of a teenage boy who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer.

Mrs King said: "I just want justice for Kristopher because he always wanted to be a dancer and this could ruin it all."

A spokesman for Derby City Council said: "We cannot comment on the details of this case because it is the subject of on-going legal proceedings."